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'All About Diabetes' from Diabetes.org |
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| Diabetes is a disease in which the body
does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is
needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for
daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although
both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of
exercise appear to play roles. There are 18.2 million people in the United States, or 6.3% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 13 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 5.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease. In order to determine whether or not a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Either test can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, faster, and less expensive to perform. With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signals pre-diabetes. A person with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher has diabetes. In the OGTT test, a person's blood glucose level is measured after a
fast and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. If the
two-hour blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl, the person
tested has pre-diabetes. If the two-hour blood glucose level is at 200
mg/dl or higher, the person tested has diabetes. |
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| Major Types of Diabetes |
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Type 1 diabetes Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Gestational diabetes Pre-diabetes
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| Type 1 diabetes | |
| Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in
children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile
diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin
is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic
fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the
blood into the cells. Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Type 1 diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives.
Conditions & Treatment
Complications Diabetes Learning
Center for the Newly Diagnosed Your Body's Well Being
Common Concerns
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the Pharmacist Health Information For Women Health Information For Men
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| Type 2 diabetes | |
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of
diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough
insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the
body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in
the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.
When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can
cause two problems:
Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Type 2 diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.
Conditions & Treatment
Complications Diabetes Learning
Center for the Newly Diagnosed Your Body's Well Being
Common Concerns
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the Pharmacist Health Information For Women Health Information For Men ToolsWant to learn more about diabetes? Visit the Healthy Body Healthy Mind Web site and click on the link for "diabetes." Dr. Nathaniel Clark, Vice President of Clinical Affairs for the Association, and Dr. James Gavin, former president of the Association, joined other diabetes experts to share their insight on diabetes.
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| Gestational diabetes | |
| You are 28 weeks pregnant. Your health care
provider has just told you that you have gestational diabetes. Should
you be concerned about gestational diabetes? The short answer: yes. Good care means a lot for your health and your baby's health. What is gestational diabetes?Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States each year. We don't know what causes gestational diabetes, but we have some clues. The placenta supports the baby as it grows. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop. But these hormones also block the action of the mother's insulin in her body. This problem is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance makes it hard for the mother's body to use insulin. She may need up to three times as much insulin. Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose builds up in the blood to high levels. This is called hyperglycemia. How gestational diabetes can affect your babyGestational diabetes affects the mother in late pregnancy, after the baby's body has been formed, but while the baby is busy growing. Because of this, gestational diabetes does not cause the kinds of birth defects sometimes seen in babies whose mothers had diabetes before pregnancy. However, untreated or poorly controlled gestational diabetes can hurt your baby. When you have gestational diabetes, your pancreas works overtime to produce insulin, but the insulin does not lower your blood glucose levels. Although insulin does not cross the placenta, glucose and other nutrients do. So extra blood glucose goes through the placenta, giving the baby high blood glucose levels. This causes the baby's pancreas to make extra insulin to get rid of the blood glucose. Since the baby is getting more energy than it needs to grow and develop, the extra energy is stored as fat. This can lead to macrosomia, or a "fat" baby. Babies with macrosomia face health problems of their own, including damage to their shoulders during birth. Because of the extra insulin made by the baby's pancreas, newborns may have very low blood glucose levels at birth and are also at higher risk for breathing problems. Babies with excess insulin become children who are at risk for obesity and adults who are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Treating gestational diabetesBecause gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby, you need to start treatment quickly. Treatment for gestational diabetes aims to keep blood glucose levels equal to those of pregnant women who don't have gestational diabetes. Treatment for gestational diabetes always includes special meal plans and scheduled physical activity. It may also include daily blood glucose testing and insulin injections. You will need help from your doctor, nurse educator, and other members of your health care team so that your treatment for gestational diabetes can be changed as needed. For you as the mother-to-be, treatment for gestational diabetes helps lower the risk of a cesarean section birth that very large babies may require. Sticking with your treatment for gestational diabetes will give you a healthy pregnancy and birth, and may help your baby avoid future poor health. Gestational diabetes -- Looking aheadGestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy. But once you've had gestational diabetes, your chances are 2 in 3 that it will return in future pregnancies. In a few women, however, pregnancy uncovers type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is hard to tell whether these women have gestational diabetes or have just started showing their diabetes during pregnancy. These women will need to continue diabetes treatment after pregnancy. Many women who have gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes years later. There seems to be a link between the tendency to have gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes both involve insulin resistance. Certain basic lifestyle changes may help prevent diabetes after gestational diabetes. Losing weight Are you more than 20% over your ideal body weight? Losing even a few pounds can help you avoid developing type 2 diabetes. Making healthy food choices Follow simple daily guidelines, like eating a variety of foods including fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting fat intake to 30% or less of daily calories, and watching your portion size. Healthy eating habits can go a long way in preventing diabetes and other health problems. Exercising Regular exercise allows your body to use glucose without extra insulin. This helps combat insulin resistance and is what makes exercise helpful to people with diabetes. Never start an exercise program without checking with your doctor first. Keeping worry in perspectiveWhile gestational diabetes is a cause for concern, the good news is that you and your health care team - your doctor, obstetrician, nurse educator, and dietitian - work together to lower your high blood glucose levels. And with this help, you can turn your concern into a healthy pregnancy for you, and a healthy start for your baby. Related
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| Pre-diabetes | |
| Before people develop type 2 diabetes, they
almost always have "pre-diabetes" -- blood glucose levels that are
higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
There are 41 million people in the United States, ages 40 to 74, who
have pre-diabetes. Recent research has shown that some long-term damage
to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be
occurring during pre-diabetes. Research has also shown that if you take action to manage your blood glucose when you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from ever developing. Together with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the American Diabetes Association published a Position Statement on "The Prevention or Delay of Type 2 Diabetes" to help guide health care professionals in treating their patients with pre-diabetes. There is a lot you can do yourself to know your risks for pre-diabetes and to take action to prevent diabetes if you have, or are at risk for, pre-diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has a wealth of resources for people with diabetes. People with pre-diabetes can expect to benefit from much of the same advice for good nutrition and physical activity. The links on this page are cornerstones of successful management of pre-diabetes.
How to Tell if You Have Pre-Diabetes
How
to Prevent Pre-Diabetes Frequently
Asked Questions about Pre-Diabetes
Common Concerns
Diabetes Learning Center |
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| 'All About Diabetes' from Diabetes.org | |
| Reference: Diabetes.org Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease. In order to determine whether or not a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Either test can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes or diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is easier, faster, and less expensive to perform. With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signals pre-diabetes. A person with a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl or higher has diabetes. In the OGTT test, a person's blood glucose level is measured after a fast and two hours after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. If the two-hour blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dl, the person tested has pre-diabetes. If the two-hour blood glucose level is at 200 mg/dl or higher, the person tested has diabetes. Recently Diagnosed? This area of our Web site can help ease your fears and teach you more about living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes, and connect you with others affected by diabetes who will listen and share their own experiences. Visit the Recently Diagnosed area of diabetes.org Major Types of Diabetes Type 1 diabetes Results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes Results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women - about 135,000 cases in the United States each year. Pre-diabetes Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 41 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 20.8 million with diabetes. Additional Information Recently Diagnosed You or someone you love has just been diagnosed with diabetes -- chances are you have a million questions running through your head. This area of our Web site can help ease your fears and teach you more about living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes, and connect you with others affected by diabetes who will listen and share their own experiences. Diabetes Learning Center Take the first steps toward better diabetes care by visiting the Diabetes Learning Center -- an area for people who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, or those needing basic information. Diabetes Symptoms Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Learn what they are in this section. The Complete Guide to Diabetes, 4th EditionFurther Reading . . . The Complete Guide to Diabetes has been completely revised to bring you all the information you need to live an active, healthy life with diabetes. Now in its fourth edition, this guide gives you information on the best self-care techniques and the latest medical advances. If you have diabetes, this guide will answer all your questions. For more books on healthy living, click here. Diabetes Risk Test More than 20 million Americans have diabetes - nearly one in three does not know it! Take our diabetes risk test to see if you are at risk for having diabetes. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Diabetes Myths Find the truth about some of the most common myths about diabetes. Diabetes Statistics With so many people affected by diabetes, the American Diabetes Association has compiled statistics on the impact of diabetes and its complications. We have statistics listed by population, complication, and economic impact. The Genetics of Diabetes You've probably wondered how you got diabetes. You may worry that your children will get it too. Unlike some traits, diabetes does not seem to be inherited in a simple pattern. Yet clearly, some people are born more likely to get diabetes than others. Who's on your health care team? No matter what kind of diabetes you have, it affects many parts of your life. You can get help from health professionals trained to focus on different areas, from head to toe. A health care team helps you use the health care system to its fullest. So whom do you need on your team? Find out here. Multimedia Education This section contains Webcasts of several different diabetes-related topics. Books & Magazines Visit our bookstore for a variety of cookbooks, meal planners, self-care guides and other educational materials to assist you in managing diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Type 1 diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. Conditions & Treatment Arm yourself with information about conditions associated with type 1 diabetes, and how to prevent them. Conditions associated with type 1 diabetes include hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis and celiac disease. You will also find helpful information about insulin, choosing blood glucose meters, various diagnostic tests including the A1c test, managing and checking your blood glucose, kidney and islet transplantations, and tips on what to expect from your health care provider. A Field Guide to Type 1 DiabetesFurther Reading . . . A Field Guide to Type 1 Diabetes gives checklists of what you need, what to do in different situations, and what kinds of provisions you need. For more books on healthy living, click here Complications Having type 1 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of type 1 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more about these complications and how to cope with them. Recently Diagnosed You've just been diagnosed with diabetes. Chances are you have a million questions running through your head. To help you answer those questions, and take the first steps toward better diabetes care, visit the Recently Diagnosed area for people who have just been diagnosed with diabetes, or those needing basic information. Your Body's Well Being Make it a priority to take good care of your body. The time you spend now on eye care, foot care and skin care, as well as your heart health and oral health, could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous type 1 diabetes complications later in life. Plus, some of the best things you can do for your body are to stop smoking, and reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Common Concerns This section addresses various areas to help you live with type 1 diabetes. What do you do when you're sick? What do you do when you travel? Can you get a flu shot with diabetes? How do you cope with having type 1 diabetes? Are you being discriminated against because you have diabetes? You'll find answers to these questions, and more in this section. Ask the Pharmacist The American Diabetes Association and Rite Aid "Ask the Pharmacist" area is where you can ask a pharmacist a question to help you manage your diabetes. Rite Aid and the ADA have partnered to allow you to access to Rite Aid's Drug Information Center from our Web site. Women and Diabetes Learn how to ensure your own health and well-being. Health Information For Men Learn how to ensure your own health and well-being. Related Links * Physician Recognition Program This Recognized Physician Directory helps individuals find doctors who have demonstrated they meet important standards of care. * Education Recognition Program The following diabetes education programs in your area are Recognized by the American Diabetes Association. These Recognized programs meet the National Standards for excellence in diabetes education. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems: * Right away, your cells may be starved for energy. * Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart. Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Type 2 diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives. While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population. A Field Guide to Type 2 DiabetesFurther Reading . . . A Field Guide to Type 2 Diabetes is an excellent book for the patient or family member. For more books on healthy living, click here Conditions & Treatment Arm yourself with information about conditions associated with type 2 diabetes, and how to prevent them. Conditions associated with type 2 diabetes include hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. You will also find helpful information about insulin, oral medications, various diagnostic tests including the A1c test, managing and checking your blood glucose, and tips on what to expect from your health care provider. Complications Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of type 2 diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more about these complications and how to cope with them. Diabetes Learning Center for the Recently Diagnosed You've just been diagnosed with diabetes. Chances are you have a million questions running through your head. To help you answer those questions, and take the first steps toward better diabetes care, visit the Diabetes Learning Center -- an area for people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes, or those needing basic information. Your Body's Well Being Make it a priority to take good care of your body. The time you spend now on eye care, foot care and skin care, as well as your heart health and oral health, could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous type 2 diabetes complications later in life. Plus, some of the best things you can do for your body are to stop smoking, and reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Common Concerns This section addresses various areas to help you live with type 2 diabetes. What do you do when you're sick? What do you do when you travel? Can you get a flu shot with diabetes? How do you cope with having type 2 diabetes? Are you being discriminated against because you have diabetes? You'll find answers to these questions, and more in this section. Ask the Pharmacist The American Diabetes Association and Rite Aid "Ask the Pharmacist" area is where you can ask a pharmacist a question to help you manage your diabetes. Rite Aid and the ADA have partnered to allow you to access to Rite Aid's Drug Information Center from our Web site. Women and Diabetes Learn how to ensure your own health and well-being. Health Information For Men Learn how to ensure your own health and well-being. Related Links * Want to learn more about diabetes? Visit the Healthy Body Healthy Mind Web site and click on the link for "diabetes." Dr. Nathaniel Clark, Vice President of Clinical Affairs for the Association, and Dr. James Gavin, former president of the Association, joined other diabetes experts to share their insight on diabetes. * Physician Recognition Program This Recognized Physician Directory helps individuals find doctors who have demonstrated they meet important standards of care. * Education Recognition Program The following diabetes education programs in your area are Recognized by the American Diabetes Association. These Recognized programs meet the National Standards for excellence in diabetes education. Women and Diabetes Breast Cancer Complications Coronary Heart Disease Eating Disorders Gastroparesis and Diabetes Mental Health Osteoporosis Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Pregnancy Sexual Health For more information, visit the FDA's Office of Women's Health. Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer death (exceeded by lung cancer in 1985). Breast cancer is three times more common than all gynecologic malignancies put together. The incidence of breast cancer has been increasing steadily from an incidence of 1:20 in 1960 to 1:7 women today. About 212,920 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2006. About 40,970 women will die from the disease this year. Right now there are slightly over 2 million women living in the United States who have been treated for breast cancer. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 33. Breast cancer death rates are going down. This decline is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and improved treatment. For more information, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation site, or the American Cancer Society. Complications Having diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications. Some complications of diabetes include: heart disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more about these complications and how to cope with them. Coronary Heart Disease in Women with Diabetes One of three women will die of heart disease compared to one of nine women dying of breast cancer. Forty percent of heart attacks result in death. Diabetes is a powerful risk factor for heart disease in women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women with diabetes. Women with diabetes are twice as likely to have a second heart attack and 4 times more likely to have heart failure than women without diabetes. Many women with type 2 diabetes already have heart disease when they are diagnosed or have many of the risk factors such as high lipids levels, high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and abnormalities in blood vessel function. Women with type 1 diabetes can develop heart disease when they are young. Women with diabetes are not only at greater risk for heart disease, but also experience more adverse outcomes. What you can do to protect yourself * Don't Smoke * Control your blood pressure * Maintain a healthy weight * Exercise regularly * Eat a low-fat diet * Take care of diabetes * Be aware of chest pain * Know your family history For more information, visit Family Doctor or the American Heart Association. Eating Disorders Research suggests that eating disorders are probably more common among women with diabetes than women who do not have diabetes. Bulimia is the most common eating disorder in women with type 1 diabetes. Among women with type 2 diabetes, binge eating is more common. Because both diabetes and eating disorders involve attention to body states, weight management, and control of food, some people develop a pattern in which they use the disease to justify or camouflage the disorder. Because the complications of diabetes and eating disorders can be serious, even fatal, responsible, healthy behavior is essential. Eating disorders are illnesses with a biological basis modified and influenced by emotional and cultural factors. The stigma associated with eating disorders has long kept individuals suffering in silence, inhibited funding for crucial research and created barriers to treatment. Because of insufficient information, the public and professionals fail to recognize the dangerous consequences of eating disorders. While eating disorders are serious, potentially life threatening illnesses, there is help available and recovery is possible. Types of Eating Disorders Anorexia (or anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder centered around an obsessive fear of weight gain. Anorexia involves self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Although anorexia is a psychological disorder, the physical consequences are serious and sometimes life-threatening. Bulimia is characterized by recurrent binge eating (the rapid controlled consumption of large amounts of food). Purging may occur with self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, insulin omission or reduction, fasting, severe diets, or vigorous exercise. Binge Eating Disorder (also known as Compulsive Overeating) is characterized primarily by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive, or continuous eating beyond the point of feeling comfortably full. While there is no purging, there may be sporadic fasts or repetitive diets and often feelings of shame or self-hatred after a binge. Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) A range of other disordered eating patterns doesn't fit the other specific types. These conditions are still serious, and intervention and attention are necessary. EDNOS, or other types of eating disorders, may include: * Eating problems or disordered eating with some, but not all, of the characteristics of an eating disorder; for example, people who severely restrict food intake, but who do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa. * Chewing food and spitting it out (without swallowing). * Bingeing and purging irregularly, such as at times of increased stress. Eating Disorders and Pregnancy Women with eating disorders have higher rates of miscarriage than do healthy, normal women. Also, your baby might be born prematurely, meaning that it would not weigh as much, or be as well developed, as babies who are born full term. Women with anorexia nervosa are underweight and may not gain enough weight during pregnancy. They risk having a baby with abnormally low birth weight and related health problems. Women with bulimia nervosa who continue to purge may suffer dehydration, chemical imbalances or even cardiac irregularities. Pregnancy heightens these health risks. Women who are overweight due to binge eating are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and overgrown babies. Low birth weight babies are at risk of many medical problems, some of them life threatening. Your teeth and bones might become weak and fragile because the baby's need for calcium takes priority over yours. If you don't replenish calcium with dairy products and other sources, you could find yourself with stress fractures and broken bones in later years. Once calcium is gone from your bones, it is difficult, if not impossible, to replace it. For more information, visit the National Eating Disorders Association Web site. Gastroparesis and Diabetes Gastroparesis is a disorder affecting people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. It happens when nerves to the stomach are damaged or stop working. The vagus nerve controls the movement of food through the digestive tract. If the vagus nerve is damaged, the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally, and the movement of food is slowed or stopped. Gastroparesis can make diabetes worse by making it more difficult to manage blood glucose. When food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine and is absorbed, blood glucose levels rise. The most important treatment goal for diabetes-related gastroparesis is to manage your blood glucose levels as well as possible. Treatments include insulin, oral medications, changes in what and when you eat, and in severe cases, feeding tubes and intravenous feeding. Learn more about gastroparesis. Related Link * National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Mental Health Anxiety Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 40 million American adults. These disorders fill people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear. Unlike the relatively mild, brief anxiety caused by a stressful event such as a business presentation or a first date, anxiety disorders are chronic, relentless, and can grow progressively worse if not treated. Types of Anxiety Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is much more than the normal anxiety people experience day to day. It's chronic and fills one's day with exaggerated worry and tension, even though there is little or nothing to provoke it. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. They can't predict when an attack will occur, and many develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike. Phobias Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, involves overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can develop following a terrifying event. Often, people with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, involves anxious thoughts or rituals you feel you can't control. Depression The rate of depression in people with diabetes is much higher than in the general population. Women experience depression about twice as often as men. The risk of depression increases in women with diabetes. Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women -- particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause, and menopause. Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children and for aging parents. Previous studies have shown individuals who are insulin-resistant may have higher serotonin concentrations and may be more prone to depression and even suicide. Women with diabetes may be more likely to suffer depression because of the clinical diagnosis. Types of Depression Major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Dysthymia, a less severe type of depression, involves long-term, chronic symptoms that are not disabling, but keep one from functioning well or feeling good. Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness) is not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depression. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a major depression that occurs in the winter when the amount of sunlight is limited. Postpartum depression occurs within four weeks of childbirth. Most new mothers suffer from some form of the "baby blues." Psychotic depression is a rare form of depression characterized by delusions or hallucinations, such as believing you are someone you are not and hearing voices. For more information, visit the National Institute of Mental Health Web site. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. If not prevented or if left untreated, osteoporosis can progress painlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, occur typically in the hip, spine, and wrist. In the U.S., 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Of the 10 million Americans estimated to have osteoporosis, eight million are women and two million are men. Women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years following menopause, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis. To learn more, visit the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. In women with PCOS, immature follicles bunch together to form large cysts or lumps. The eggs mature within the bunched follicles, but the follicles don't break open and release them. As a result, women with PCOS often don't have menstrual periods, or they have periods only on occasion. No one knows the exact cause of PCOS, but studies are looking at whether it is caused by genetics. Also, because many women with PCOS also have diabetes, studies are examining the relationship between PCOS and the body's ability to produce insulin. Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent further problems. There are many medications to control the symptoms of PCOS. Management focuses on each woman's main concerns, such as infertility, acne or obesity. Long term, the most important aspect of treatment is managing cardiovascular risks such as obesity, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. Researchers are looking at how male hormone levels change as women with PCOS grow older. They think that as women reach menopause, ovarian function changes and the menstrual cycle may become more normal. But even with falling male hormone levels, excessive hair growth continues, and male pattern baldness or thinning hair gets worse after menopause. Learn more about PCOS. Related Links * Women's Health.gov * Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association Pregnancy Gestational Diabetes Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women -- about 135,000 cases of gestational diabetes in the United States each year. Diabetes and Pregnancy The key to a healthy pregnancy for a woman with diabetes is keeping blood glucose (sugar) in the target range -- both before she is pregnant and during her pregnancy. To do this, you need a diabetes treatment plan that keeps meals, exercise, and insulin in balance. This plan will change as you change with pregnancy. Related Links * Mayo Clinic * Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Women's Sexual Health Sex is an important part of life and relationships. But diabetes can affect a woman's sex life. Some women with diabetes have less interest in sex because of depression or levels can make some women feel tired all the time. Problems with having sex aren't a normal part of getting older and don't happen to all women who have diabetes. Menopause Menopause and the years leading up to it when your body gradually produces less estrogen and progesterone (perimenopause) may present unique challenges if you have diabetes. How these hormonal changes affect blood glucose may vary depending on the individual. Many women, however, notice that their blood glucose levels are more variable (increasing and decreasing) and less predictable than before. The hormonal changes as well as swings in your blood glucose levels can contribute to menopausal symptoms such as mood changes, fatigue and hot flashes. Menopause and diabetes produce similar symptoms. You may mistake menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, moodiness and short-term memory loss for symptoms of low blood glucose. If you incorrectly assume these symptoms are a result of low blood glucose, you may consume unnecessary calories in an effort to raise your blood glucose, and inadvertently cause a surge in blood glucose. Because of your diabetes, however, you may experience stronger and more frequent episodes of low blood glucose, especially at night. This can further compromise sleep already interrupted by menopause-associated hot flashes and night sweats. Such sleep deprivation can cause fluctuations in blood glucose that make control more difficult. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Diabetes Women with diabetes are at an increased risk for heart disease. The estrogen hormone which is lost at menopause is a powerful factor in preventing heart disease. Women with diabetes develop a greatly increased risk of developing heart disease after menopause. HRT can help reduce this risk. HRT replaces the estrogen and progestin once produced by your body. HRT is sometimes used to treat women who experience serious or very unpleasant effects of menopause. In all women, there are risks and benefits. Women with diabetes are no exception. Benefits: reduces risk of heart disease and reduces risk of osteoporosis, lipid effects, blood vessel effects Risks: increases risk of breast cancer For more information, visit the MedlinePlus Web site, or the Mayo Clinic Web site. Health Information for Men Men with diabetes have similar health issues as people without diabetes. However, there are some concerns which are magnified by diabetes. Diabetes and Men's Sexual Health What you should know about diabetes and men's sexual health. Gastroparesis Learn about this disorder that affects people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. |
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